I visited UK seaside spot with gorgeous beach and great food | UK | Travel

A coastal suburb located just 15 minutes from a major UK capital deserves a spot on your spring travel list right away. It’s not quite summer yet, but a seaside trip is still an excellent way to clear your head, and those stunning waterfront views are hard to beat.

Last autumn I visited Portobello near Edinburgh for the first time, and I’m shocked I hadn’t visited earlier. With a high street packed with independent retailers, excellent cuisine, and superb public transport connections, it’s truly ideal if you fancy venturing slightly off the tourist trail. The bus journey from the city centre took just 15 minutes, dropping us directly in the town’s centre, and it was instantly clear that this location was something special.

Naturally, our first move was heading straight to the waterfront for a walk along the beach. The conditions were gloriously sunny, albeit cold, but it was quite invigorating following the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.

Portobello’s beach stretches for two miles, boasting a Victorian-era promenade and panoramic views across the Forth of Firth. Given it was a sunny Sunday morning, the area was bustling, with numerous families out strolling and dogs happily bounding across the sand.

What struck me most about the beach was its immaculate condition. It’s evident that Portobello residents, or those in Porty as it’s fondly called, have huge pride in their local environment.

I can see this being a spectacular location for sunbathing during summer months, and possibly even sea swimming.

Portobello secured second place amongst Britain’s finest coastal towns last year according to JoJo Maman Bebe, whilst the beach has also received a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, clearly showing its widespread appeal.

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Following a nice stroll along the shore that built up our appetites, we decided it was time for food. Along Portobello beach’s seafront, dining and drinking spots line the promenade, from oversized pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.

Many venues offer alfresco dining, meaning you’re practically eating on the beach, and it was lovely seeing so many people enjoying this experience.

We chose to visit Shrimp Wreck, a seafood spot offering a small yet appetising menu. The street food vendor featured on BBC‘s My Million Pound Menu, and it’s celebrated for its fish finger sandwiches – securing a finalist position in the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.

Naturally, this was my order, and the hype around it makes perfect sense. Battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and the best chips I’ve had, all nestled in a soft roll, was arguably the most messy meal I could have chosen, but I have no regrets.

Next, we decided to explore the high street where our bus had dropped us. Situated directly behind the promenade, whilst quieter than the beach front, it still bustled with visitors – and crucially, many shops remained open.

Among the standout spots for me was The Portobello Bookshop, a delightful independent bookseller crammed with novels, recipe books and countless other titles.

The environment felt bright, inviting and comfortable – the sort of place you could spend ages browsing without getting bored.

They also host events, including author Q+A sessions, so it’s worth checking their schedule when planning your trip.

Cove is another essential stop for gift shop enthusiasts. This store was packed with every gift imaginable, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, along with beautiful greeting cards and tasty-looking chocolate bars.

Portobello’s high street may not be the biggest but it’s definitely one of the nicest I’ve ever been to. More dining and drinking venues can be found in the area, alongside pubs and even an Aldi, so you won’t run out of options.

One place we missed which I’m eager to visit is the swimming centre. Here in Portobello you’ll discover an authentic Victorian Turkish bath, one of only 11 in the UK, as well as a gym and fitness studio, so this is on the list for our return.

If you’ve never been to Portobello, it truly is the ideal destination for a weekend break – even though it’s still cold. Situated so conveniently near Edinburgh’s bustling centre, it’s perfect for those seeking to escape busy city life and enjoy some time dining, drinking and unwinding beside the water.